By MICHAEL HABER
AFTER losing their first round games, both Coburg Districts and Keilor Park were ready to up the ante.
It was a cold and windy day at Cole Reserve but tempers were flaring in the first quarter.
Players were putting their bodies on the line and weren’t afraid to go in hard for the ball, which ultimately set up the intensity for the game.
The first quarter was tight as both teams stayed neck and neck.
It was a stop-start game however with many free kicks and 50-metre penalties being rewarded.
Half of the goals in the first quarter were results of free kicks.
Keilor Park showed the same inaccurate kicking that was their bane last week but, still managed to take the first quarter lead 31-28.
The second term saw Keilor Park start off aggressively, putting on major attacking pressure.
The stop-start nature of the game didn’t work in either team’s favour however as inaccuracy hit both teams hard, each scoring five points in the quarter.
It was a very low-scoring and frustrating second term as both teams weren’t able to carry the ball and run with it due to the amount of free kicks being paid. Both of Keilor Park’s goals came from free kicks in the second quarter.
The highlight of the quarter was from Osama Saad, as he took on three opponents to smash through a goal right in the goal square. Despite this brilliant effort the Devils still had the lead 48-39 going into halftime.
The third term was the breakout quarter for Coburg Districts as they controlled the play and turned the tide in their favour.
Thomas Mendico was all over the ground, providing some of the best running of the game and dominating the midfield.
He inspired his team early in the quarter by taking on two players on the wing to set up a scoring opportunity.
Luke Vesnaver was also strong for his team as he commanded the ball in the forward fifty for his team and converted his shots.
Keilor Park did not let the Lions run away with it however, as they scored four of their own goals to keep the game competitive going into three-quarter time.
The eight-goal third term for Coburg Districts certainly raised the Lions’ hopes to take their first win for the season, ending the quarter leading 90-73.
Keilor Park had the wind behind them and were confident going into the last quarter.
They pushed hard at the start to get within two kicks of the lead but Coburg Districts did well to keep them at bay.
Keilor Park didn’t let the set shot banana from Vesnaver break their spirits however as they continuously pumped the ball into their forward 50, and straight into the hands of Kirk Wintels. Wintels put on a goal-scoring clinic in the final term.
After being yellow carded during the break, Jake Thomas returned to the field halfway through the term and had immediate impact.
He was strong in midfield and was involved in pack marks, contested ball grabs and set up Wintels, helping his team to break the deficit and eventually, take the lead.
Everyone was on edge waiting for the final siren which finally sounded, marking a comeback win for the Devils.
It was a bitter pill to swallow for Coburg Districts, who was left wondering about what could have been in a match where the opposition were just hungrier and more efficient than they were.
Coburg Districts | 15.14-104
Goal Kickers: O. Saad 4, L. Vesnaver 4, J. Fenner 2, S. Saad, T. Lucin, L. Oliveri, N. Georgeades, D. Cudmore
Best Players: L. Vesnaver, T. Mendico, O. Saad
Keilor Park | 15.15-105
Goal Kickers: K. Wintels 7, J. Thomas 3, J. Wilson 2, S. Barry 2, J. Ravanello
Best Players: S. Barry, N. Trotter, K. Wintels, J. Wilson, J. Gatto, P. Corredig
